Gove to Introduce Historical Economic Policy

In a clear sign of his growing political influence, Education Minister Michael Grove has been given sweeping powers over economic policy. The radical changes are based on Grove’s intention to revitalise the teaching of History. “We really want to bring the past alive for our young people,” he commented. As of January 2014 all workers are to be redefined as ‘villeins’ or ‘serfs’, and will be expected to perform unpaid weekly labour for their lords as well as giving the majority of their produce to them. They and their descendants will be tied to the lord in perpetuity - “This will give the stability that employers need and enable them to really plan ahead,” Gove added.

More radical members of Gove’s team are said to favour the reintroduction of slavery as a way of further reducing costs and red tape. However the Minister has opposed this, at least until newly-planted oak forests are sufficiently mature to furnish the timber for a fleet with which to conquer the New World.